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In the enormous world of college football, it is not uncommon for talented players to go unnoticed by the majority of football fans and the prognosticators of future NFL talent. Every year, players from smaller schools rise to their potential and become difference makers in the NFL. Barry Robertson has the potential to join that list, and fans would be wise to recognize his potential before the rest of the world overloads the bandwagon.

Born in November of 1981 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Robertson comes from a long lineage of talented football players. Several members of Robertson's family have enjoyed successful college football careers: uncles David Dawkins and Lavon Wilson both played football while attending Southern Mississippi University, while cousins Avery Hatten and Jermaine Wilson have also enjoyed productive college football careers at Middle Tennessee and Arkansas respectively. Robertson first served notice to the football world during his high school career at North Forest High School (3A) in Hattiesburg, Miss. In four years of high school experience, Robertson totaled over 700 tackles (including a tremendous 24 tackles in one game) and 30 sacks while earning all-district, all-area, and all-state honors. Robertson also served in the offensive backfield, serving time at both running back and quarterback, rushing for over 3,000 yards during his high school career. During his junior season, Robertson led his team to a district championship while asserting his value as a potential star for interested college programs.

Robertson then moved to the junior college ranks, continuing his path of success for Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Miss. Serving as the team's primary LB, Robertson lead Pearl River to the Mississippi Junior College Championship title in 2003, gaining the interest and scholarship offers from prominent university programs (including Texas A&M, one of college football's powerhouse programs) and showcasing significant talent as one of the hidden defensive jewels in the nation. The staff at Louisiana Tech recognized Robertson's potential and invited the young linebacker to join the Bulldogs' roster in an effort to strengthen a program hoping to attain a new level of respect as a stalwart power in Division I college football.

In 2004, Robertson entered his junior year and his first season at LA Tech with simple hopes of gaining notice as an option at the middle linebacker position. With proven seniors T.J. Jackson and John Nash already established as the team's probable starters at the position, it seemed opportunities would be limited for Robertson as a junior. However, it quickly became evident Robertson's talent would be too much to ignore.

Robertson wasted no time announcing his intentions for the season as the Bulldogs faced Nevada. In a 38-21 win, Robertson didn't earn the start, yet he posted impressive statistics: 4 solo tackles, 3 assists, 1.5 sacks for a total loss of 10 yards, and 1 forced fumble. The performance earned Robertson a quick rise in status as he started at MLB the following week when the Bulldogs visited UL-Lafayette. Once again, Robertson was huge, helping solidify a close 24-20 win for his team while posting 4 solo tackles, 3 assists, and 1 interception. The biggest play of the game came at the hands of Robertson as the powerful LB made the game-saving tackles 7 yards from the end zone as the clock ran out to end the game and preserve the win.

In Week 3, the Bulldogs faced one of their toughest opponents in recent memory as the team traveled to the University of Miami to face one of the powerhouse programs in all of college football. Robertson was listed as a starter, the Bulldogs suffered a tough 48-0 loss, yet Robertson still posted respectable numbers with 3 total tackles (1 solo, 2 assists) in limited action. In Week 4, Robertson was once again listed as a reserve player but recorded 6 total tackles (4 solo, 2 assists) against the second Division 1A opponent of the season as the Bulldogs lost 42-17 against Tennessee.

Those performances earned Robertson the starting job for the next three games as Bulldogs faced three of college footballs most renowned programs. Against Fresno State in Week 5, Robertson enjoyed a tremendous game as the starting MLB, earning 10 total tackles (6 solo, 4 assists), including 2 tackles for a total loss of 10 yards, and 1 sack, earning honors as Defensive Player of the Game. Robertson started the next two games against Auburn and SMU, earning a total of 7 tackles (4 solo, 3 assists).

Robertson was dropped to a reserve status in the next two games, earning 3 totals tackles in very limited action against UTEP and Hawaii. Those two losses finally helped the Louisiana Tech coaches realized they could no longer deny Robertson's talents as they made the move to put their playmaker in a position to maximize his talents and help the team finish the season on a positive note.

In those final three games, the Bulldogs traveled to Tulsa, Boise State, and Rice in a daunting road schedule. Despite tremendous odds, the Bulldogs went on the road and won 2 of those final 3 games as Robertson started each game at a position commonly referred to as "Buck Linebacker," a hybrid position developed as part of the Cover 4 defensive scheme in which talented linebackers are trusted to defend against the rushing attack as emphasis is placed on the defensive backfield in an attempt to limit passing options. While the Buck Linebacker position is not historically one of great statistical opportunity, Robertson's talents shined as a result of his amazing athletic talent and dedication to success.

In the first of those three games, Robertson started an outstanding stretch of defensive power, posting 8 total tackles (5 solo, 3 assists) and .5 sacks in a hard-fought 38-21 win over Tulsa. The following week, the Bulldogs suffered a 55-14 loss to the offensive talents of Boise State, yet Robertson still managed impressive statistical production with 9 total tackles (5 solo, 4 assists) including 2.5 tackles for losses as well as 1 fumble recovery. In the final game of the season, the Bulldogs bounced back with a 51-14 win against Rice to end the season on a positive note, and Robertson played a major role with 8 solo tackles.

Barry Robertson finished the season with 7 total starts, 68 total tackles (42 solo, 26 assists) including 8 tackles for total losses of 29 yards, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception. Rising from the ranks of community college, Robertson enjoyed an impressive premiere campaign in Division I football, averaging 5.6 tackles per game despite a failure to start almost half of the season's games. Those numbers are all the more impressive when you consider Robertson missed a total of 10 quarters of action, bringing his adjusted total to 7.2 tackles per game. To put his talents in perspective, consider this: Robertson's solo tackles accounted for 61.8% of his total tackles for the season.

Robertson enters his senior season with an inspiring season in the rearview mirror and aspirations for excellence in 2005. His potential is impossible to ignore and his statistical performance last season will demand attention from the opposition in the coming season. Football fans would be wise to realize the talent Robertson brings to the field, and it is hard to imagine the scouts of the NFL won't do the same. As we warned, players from smaller schools rise to their potential and become difference makers in the NFL. Robertson has the ability to become the next name on that list. Don't miss your opportunity to hit the bandwagon early, before that wagon is full.